Ailing Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of Saturday’s Inter Miami game against Atlanta United, meaning Lionel Messi will be without one of his most trusted teammates for the win-or-else playoff matchup.

From his trips to a Publix grocery store, a local family market or an NBA game, the 37-year-old has embraced the American lifestyle with open arms. However, it was an intimate image of Messi participating in a much older tradition that drew a reaction from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, on Instagram on Thursday.

then a wild-card match at Montreal and Game 2 of this series against Inter Miami. The difference is that this one is an elimination match for Messi as well. And when asked this week about how Messi's numbers haven't been great in this series — no goals ...

There's plenty at stake for Lionel Messi in Game 3 of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs vs. Atlanta. Is there any reason to panic?

Interim manager Valentino has worked wonders at Atlanta but the team is also looking for a big-name appointment for 2025.

Messi admitted he spent the 2024 preseason tour worried about staying fit for Copa America, which Argentina went on to win. However, he injured his ankle in the final, keeping him out for two months of Inter Miami's regular season.

Inter Miami practiced on Friday thinking there was no way Sergio Busquets was going to play in its win-or-else playoff match against Atlanta United. A few hours later, the team got quite the surprise.